Top Business Analysis Myths
Receive free IIBA updates and exclusive content!
According to the BABOK® Guide, “A business analyst is any person who performs business analysis tasks described in the BABOK® Guide, no matter their job title or organizational role. Business analysts are responsible for discovering, synthesizing, and analyzing information from a variety of sources within an enterprise, including tools, processes, documentation, and stakeholders. The business analyst is responsible for eliciting the actual needs of stakeholders—which frequently involves investigating and clarifying their expressed desires—in order to determine underlying issues and causes.”
However, there are many myths and misunderstandings about the business analysis profession that can lead to confusion about the role of a business analyst. Some people may think that business analysts only create requirements documents, only work in the IT industry, do not need technical skills, or only work on one project at a time.
The reality of the business analysis profession is much more complex and multifaceted. Business analysts play a crucial role in helping organizations understand their needs, define business goals, and identify and solve problems. We asked the business analysis community what some of the biggest business analysis myths are about the business analysis profession, and here is what they had to say:
Myth #1: Business analysis professionals are only responsible for creating requirements documents
While creating requirements documents is certainly a part of the business analyst's job, it is not the only thing they do. Business analysts also play a crucial role in facilitating communication between different stakeholders, helping to define business goals and objectives, and identifying and analyzing problems within an organization. They may also be involved in testing and verifying that solutions meet the needs of the business.
Myth #2: Business analysis professionals only work in IT
This is definitely not the case. Business analysts may work in an IT department, but there are many who do not. Their role is to analyze the needs and processes of a business. The solutions may be technology, but they can also be process or people related. Business analysts can work in any department, in any industry.
Myth #3: Business analysis professionals do not need technical skills
While business analysts do not necessarily need to be experts in programming or coding, they do need to have a certain level of technical understanding in order to be able to effectively communicate with members of the solution team and understand the capabilities and limitations of different technical solutions. Business analysts can also benefit from being proficient in tools and techniques for gathering and analyzing data, such as spreadsheets, SQL, and statistical analysis methods.
Myth #4: Business analysts only work on one project at a time
Some people believe that business analysts only work on a single project at a time. However, this is not always the case. Business analysts may work on multiple projects concurrently, depending on the size and scope of each project, as well as the needs and resources of the organization. Business analysts may also be involved in ongoing, long-term initiatives that involve multiple projects or phases.
There are several myths about the business analysis profession that can lead to misunderstandings about the role of a business analyst. In reality, business analysis professionals play a crucial role in helping organizations understand their needs, define business goals, and identify and solve problems. They may work in a variety of industries and should have a combination of technical and analytical skills. The scope and duration of their work can vary, depending on the needs of the organization.
If you liked this blog, read more from Scott in Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring | Learning Business Analysis Planning Skills and tune into Business Analysis Live! biweekly on Thursdays, with hosts Scott Bennett, Business Analysis Manager, and Susan Moore, Community Engagement Manager, IIBA®, for a candid practitioner chat breaking down hot topics in business analysis.
Don’t miss Wednesday, January 18th Business Analysis Live! as we have a deeper discussion on Business Analysis Myths and how to combat them.
Add it to your calendar here.
About The Author:
Scott Bennett shares his passion for leading Business Analysis teams to drive organizational value in his role as Manager, Business Analysis with IIBA. You can also find Scott on YouTube applying his skills and experience to his second passion designing, building, and repairing woodworking pieces.
